I was at recent community event last week where I met for the first time a person who had Autism. He was a young boy about 10 years old. It was one of his good days I was told but I could tell that playing with other children was a real challenge for him. He would strike out with fists and yelling when a particular toy was not shared. My kids were there. They drifted away from the otherwise polite young man. His mother was on edge all the time with no time to relax, always looking over his every word and action. I felt sorry for her and the situation. So what should she do, is there any hope.

I did some research and discovered there is an Autism Support Network out there. They can be found at www.autismsupportnetwork.com The goal is to connect families around the world who have general or even very specific needs. The website is geared for blogs, chat, contacts etc. What I found is that my new friend is not alone at all and that many families feel isolated and alone. I saw that first hand. Here they can exchange ideas. The family I met discovered that if they reduce the amount of Gluten in their child’s diet, he has better days. What a great idea to send to other families that need help with autism.

I learned that 1 in 150 kids have Autism and that more kids are diagnosed with ASD than with diabetes and cancer combined.  WOW. I would like to applaud this outreach program. You should have seen this family, trying to discipline their child and try to find a gluten free dinner on top of all the stress of the world.